Guidelines to writing an impressive CV

What is a CV

A curriculum vitae (CV) is a document that outlines your entire academic history. It is used most often to apply for employment opportunities.

What categories should I include in my CV?

At the very least, a CV should include contact information, education, research experience, teaching experience (if applicable), publications, presentations, and references. Other potential categories are listed below and may include awards, professional affiliations, community or university service, and others.

What is the appropriate length for a CV?

Length is less important in a CV than completeness. Your CV should include your Complete academic history and is not typically limited by length, as is a resume.

Should I include job descriptions for every position listed on my CV?

Not necessarily. Most academic search committees may focus solely on your institution and your advisor. Given this focus, listing your title, institution, advisor, location, and dates you attended or were employed there are required. Additionally, most faculty reviewers expect to see dates listed on the left hand side of the page.

Does order matter on a CV?

Yes. It is critical for you to consider the position you are applying for and/or the audience you are writing for when compiling a CV. For example, if you are applying for a faculty position at a small college, you will want to list your teaching experience on the first page of your CV and your research experience and publications later in your document. The reverse would be true if you were applying to a research intensive university or institute.

I’m in the process of drafting my CV, but am not sure about format and style.

It is a good idea to ask your advisor or a mentor in your field for a copy of his/her CV, as each discipline has its own standards for content, style, and format. We have provided different format you can download and use the format to write your CV.